Rabbit Shows?

[Librarian's Bun]

 I’m wondering if anyone knows about showing rabbits. I grew up showing horses and was in 4-H. I have already inquired about a rabbit 4-H club, but the closest I came was someone is “thinking of starting a livestock club” that would include different animals. I remember doing a 4-H horse project. I had to keep record of all of my horse’s feeding and care for a year. I think this would be an incredible learning experience for my son (and me) to do with our rabbit. 

I love watching videos on youtube of rabbits doing agility. I think it would be fun to do that with my bunny. 

I know I will need to look for info in my state, but I am looking for general information.

 Like do you have to have a purebred bunny (or know the breed?)

 Are shows mainly for breeders?

What does it mean when I see a “fur” class on a showbill?

[tanlover14]

Hey there –

I also used to show horses in 4-H! I can definitely tell you showing rabbits is much different. I was interested in doing this with my buns when I first got them but after doing a lot of research realized it’s really not the same at all.

Showing IS definitely almost only for breeders. Your bunny usually cannot be spayed/neutered (which is harmful to a bunnys health). Your bunny typically would need to be purebred as showing is based ONLY on their looks and postures and the way they hold themselves. I’m not sure you can even enter a bun that is not pure-bred as each showing class is based only to judge their breeds characteristics and traits.

Some cons to showing are in most shows your bun must be placed in an area with other bunnies. This makes your bunny contracting another illness or disease very easy. Bunnies can also become very stressed out when being moved to these different environments. My buns get stressed when taking a simple trip to the vet, I can’t imagine taking them to a show with all the noise and crowds and people. It would definitely overwhelm them.

When showing horses, you really develop a relationship with the horse. You move and work together. You have a connection in the show-ring that is amazing and it’s only a connection between you and your animal. With showing rabbits this is not the case.

After much research, I strongly advise you not show your bunny. If you’re interesting in doing some fun activities with your son and his bunnny – I would suggest clicker training. It’s a great way to teach your bun to do tricks and it’s a way your son will be able to establish a really trusting and fun bond with his bun!

Hope this helps!

[Librarian's Bun]

 Tanlover,

Your post was VERY helpful!  I won’t waste anymore time on it since you have already done the research. I will look for other ways to enjoy our bunny.

[Elrohwen]

Tanlover gave a really good description of rabbit shows. They’re really just for breeders to compare their stock, not for pet owners.

Rabbit agility/hopping is big in Europe and you might be able to find some here. It’s definitely more for the average pet owner and you will spend time training your bunny to go over jumps. This is something you could do for fun anyway, even without official clubs and competition.

[LittlePuffyTail]

I also was in horse 4-H and had a wonderful experience but I 100% agree with the others about rabbit 4-H. They practice and promote very out-dated bunny keeping (like those awful, tiny wire cages) and breeding.

[Author]

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